Fashion Forward Thinking

August 2016
Written By: 
Bree Moore
Photographs by: 
Scott Smallin

Compassion Through Fashion show raises funds for New Directions

When it comes to high fashion, people tend to think of elegant, imported fabrics, skinny models who need to eat a cheeseburger and celebrities hobnobbing in the front row. What people don’t consider is the fact of who is really benefiting from this fancy show of prestige. The Compassion Through Fashion fashion show that took place in April benefited the men, women and families of New Directions.

New Directions, a non-profit in Myrtle Beach operating four homeless shelters, helps move people out of poverty and encourages them to regain their financial footing, self-worth and self-confidence.

Event chair and coordinator Tommy Starling developed the fashion show that featured inventive, original fashion ensembles from local designers using a specific list of unusual materials. Some of the qualifying materials used included plastic spoons, straws, LED lights, rubber gloves, duct tape and seashells. Businesses entered their fashions to compete for awards and all of the proceeds raised will accelerate the New Directions “Back to Work, Back to Life” program.

The show was held at the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort at Grande Dunes and raised more than $30,000.

Awards were presented in seven categories

Click here to see more photos from the event!